Chinchillas can be the ideal companion. Normally gentle and friendly creatures, they only bite or

spray urine in cases of abuse or when put under extreme duress. Even the most vocal chins don't

make noise often, their shedding is very minimal, their fecal droppings are small, hard and odorless

(and continually deposited!), and their urine won't smell as long as their cage is kept clean. Basic

requirements include: a LARGE cage, a chin-proofed play area, and unlimited access (only ration

treats) to the dietary staples of fresh, high quality pellets, hay, and distilled or filtered water.

There ARE potential drawbacks to having a chin as a pet, however, so don't make the initial

investment unless you have acknowledged the following and are certain you can commit to

providing all the attention, time, energy and expense needed for an entire chinchilla lifetime:

Chinchillas themselves are NOT "HYPOALLERGENIC" nor is the hay they eat every day and the ample dust they bathe in regularly. They are not recommended for young children or as classroom pets for several reasons that directly relate to the chin's well-being and the children's expectations.

Although they appear cute and cuddly, chinchillas in general are not sedentary lap pets who will sit still and welcome lots of holding and cuddling. They are usually sociable and enjoy interacting with people, but they like to be on the move: exploring, energetic, playful. While some pets will accept being dominated and controlled by their owner, chins really do not. They prefer to have things on their terms: they have a keenly intelligent, curious and independent nature with a mind and will of their own and are best related to as companions rather than treated as mere pets. Some chins need to be socialized and can require a lot of time and patience before they're able to bond with their chinparent. It takes someone with maturity and intelligence, emotional as well as psychological, to truly appreciate them.

Chinchillas must be kept indoors in a climate-controlled environment. AIR CONDITIONING IS MANDATORY, not optional, for chins in climates where the temperature can reach 70F. Heat plus high humidity (above 60%) can easily kill chinchillas, because they have the highest fur density of any land animal in the world.

Chinchillas think and behave a lot like small children, and their active, highly intelligent minds can easily become stressed or bored (a catalyst for various health and behavioral problems) if they are forced to sit, caged, for hours on end without sufficient environmental stimulation, exercise or interaction. Providing this, especially for a single chin who relies entirely on the chinparent for companionship, can be very TIME CONSUMING because out-of-cage activity requires constant supervision: chinchillas are rodents and they will gnaw, gouge or shred anything not sufficiently "chin-proofed." A LARGE cage to accomodate running and playing, a variety of chew toys, at least one hideaway per chin and a cage wheel will help decrease stress and boredom inside the cage while TV during waking hours will provide environmental stimulation when the chin isn't actively engaged in out-of-cage exercise and interaction.

Chinchillas are VERY LONG-LIVED! The average chinchilla life expectancy in captivity is 10-15 years, but with good genetics and good lifetime care they can live 20+ years. For that entire long term commitment they'll need knowledgeable, devoted care, regardless of whether their chinparent experiences a change in lifestyle or preferences: busier schedule, new hobby/ interest, going off to college, joining the military, relocating, starting a family, etc.

Pet stores often mis-sex chinchillas!! It's not unheard of for someone to buy a female that's already pregnant because the pet store grouped the animals by color/ price range instead of by gender. It's also not unusual for someone to buy a "same-sex" chin as company for the one they got from a pet store and end up with a litter because the pet store employee mistook the female chinchilla's urethral cone for a male chinchilla's penis. Before you buy, learn how to identify gender to prevent overpopulation and unwanted pets!

Most of the problems that chinparents eventually encounter have to do with a lack of accurate knowledge or familiarity in these areas: The Essentials, Environmental Stress Factors, conducting safe Introductions and Safety. Products marketed "for" chins may in fact harm or even kill them, for example: cedar bedding, wheels with spokes, plastic cage parts or accessories and cages with unsafe mesh width.

Chinchillas are regarded as an exotic animal. The "startup cost" for a new chinparent (see Zillah Chinchilla's basic list) is substantial and VET CARE FOR EXOTICS IS EXPENSIVE! For example, malocclusion, a relatively common and potentially lethal dental condition that chinchillas can suffer from, may be treatable if detected early by a yearly check-up head x-ray. The vet visit, with examination and x-ray, can easily cost over a hundred U.S. dollars.

When selecting a chin, health and temperament should be the foremost consideration, not strictly appearances. The colorful "mutations" (every color but the original gray is the result of recessive gene breeding and/ or inbreeding. Some colors are more established and stable than others) can be less hardy, not as long-lived and more erratically temperamented than the standard gray. Most importantly, every chin deserves "a good home"!

We recommend these international forums: Chinwags, ChinsRus, Chinchillas Unlimited, and Chinformative Forum. Not only are they fur-free, their atmosphere and level of expertise are exceptional!

Be advised that there are some forums that act more as personality cults for their leadership, where bullying and misinformation are rife, and those forums are not on our list. Unlisted status does not necessarily make a forum one of those to avoid.

The following quote is from Chinwags. In our opinion this prudent and responsible approach should be adopted by all forums:

"Our first port of call if worried should always be the vets. We should try to remember the difference between our own experiences (which in themselves can vary in different situations) and information we have picked up along the way.

"Where possible would you please make clear where any details you mention came from, have you been through this or have you read it somewhere? If from a website/message board please provide a link where possible (or link and quote), so that other members may make a better judgement for themselves as to the validity of the details. We ask that you do not try to impose your views on others, just let's be here to share, comfort and help where we can."

There is nothing like a dog as a pet. The offer lots of love unconditionally and make for an excellent lifelong companion. However, to benefit both you and your dog, it would be to your advantage to know everything you can about them. This article can provide you with a great start for your growing canine knowledge.

Take some time to become familiar with your canine's non-verbal language. If they seem hesitant upon meeting up with other dogs or people, don't force interaction.

That could lead to another person or dog being bitten. Pay attention to the posture of the dogs and let them take their time.

Neuter or spay the dog. Your pet stands to enjoy a significantly better (and longer) life. It's been verified through research that this simple procedure reduces cancer risks and provides other benefits, too. Also, dogs that have been neutered or spayed stick closer to home, limiting their exposure to dangerous traffic and other hazards.

Obviously, dogs are unable to sleep. Therefore, you have to pay attention to your canine's non-verbal cues. If you notice the dog being hesitant in a new situation, don't force your dog to socialize if it doesn't want to. This could cause the dog to bite. Watch your dog and be aware of his actions.

Look into the flea treatments. Some treatments contain dangerous ingredients that may put your kids at risk for diseases like cancer. Find out about healthy treatments that can keep you and your pet safe.

Avoid buying your dog bargain-based food. The brands that are cheaper have preservatives, additives, as well as other things that aren't good for your dog. Try using animal advocacy groups or consumer awareness to get a list of great dog foods that have high professional recommendations. Your dog will be much healthier if you feed it some healthy food.

Do not buy cheap food items for your dog in an effort to save money. High quality foods are always your best bet. Although the food may cost more, you know that your dog is receiving the correct nutrients from quality food.

Rawhide is a great alternative to the meat bones that most people feed dogs. Bones can lodge in the mouth or throat, causing devastating injuries. Rawhide is a great treat you can use in lieu of real bones.

Make sure to exercise your dog often. Regular play and exercise is essential to keep your dog happy, both physically and mentally. Even the smallest amount of exercise, such as throwing a ball, will be good for your pup and you. It gives you exercise and helps develop a relationship that will last forever with your dog.

Even if you are looking for a dog that is a pure breed, always check the local pound. A lot of dog owners leave their dogs in the city pound when they can't look after their dog anymore. Call the pound to see what they have available. You may even save a poor dog's life.

If your dog is undergoing a course of treatment with medication or therapy, make sure you follow your veterinarian's instructions precisely. Dogs do not like having a cone around their head, but it was given for a reason. The vet doesn't give advice for no reason, and it can be dangerous to now do what is advised.

Are you aware that vitamins can harm your dog? Avoid giving your dog vitamins if he has a balanced diet. Too many of some vitamins can damage joints, bones, and blood vessels. Speak with the vet before giving your dog any vitamins.

Separation anxiety could be a problem with your dog. If so, show him extra love and attention and leave music on while you are away. This will help him feel more secure and provide him with a little company. It can help his anxiety as he waits for your return.

Were you aware that vitamins are not good for your dog? Don't give a dog extra vitamins. Too many vitamins can damage his body, particularly the bones, joints and blood vessels. Speak to a vet before beginning any dog vitamin regimen.

Spend some time deciding which brand and type of dog food to give your pet. Find a type suited for your dog's breed, age and condition and be sure to consider other factors such as potential allergens. While some choose to feed their dogs table scraps, this is not the best way to ensure that all of a dog's health needs are being met.

Always think carefully before you bring dog into your home and life. While those cute puppy faces can be hard to resist, it is important to remember that adopting a dog is a serious commitment. After you have thoroughly contemplated all of the pluses and minuses of having a new dog in your life, you can make an informed decision.

Your dog needs both physical and mental exercise. You can have him fetch things like the paper, or perform other household tasks. He can feel useful and like a family member, and continuing to train him will keep his mind sharp.

You need to regular clean your canine's water and food dishes. Your dog doesn't want to eat from a dirty bowl, just like you wouldn't want to. Be sure to wash your dog's bowls daily and provide fresh, clean food and water.

When it is hot outside, do everything necessary to keep your dog safe. Dogs get too hot very quickly. Give your dog a cool, shaded area to retreat to when it gets hot. Also, be sure your dog has clean, cold water. Dogs are also affected by sun rays, so speak with the vet about dog sunscreen.

It may be cute when your plays with your slippers, but you won't appreciate it if he chews them up. It's crucial that you address these issues before they grow into a problem. When you see a puppy doing something "bad", stop it. Doing this can prevent you from having big troubles down the line.

Are you well-versed in the knowledge of what it takes to be a dog owner now that you read this article? Reread this article if you need to. This will allow you to already have a solution to problems before they arise. Used right, these tips will prove to be invaluable.

South region of Latin America is actually a habitat of large number of rodents which are quite popular friends and chinchilla is one too. They are part of a particular animals range along with Rabbits, Ferrets, Rats and Guinea Pigs. Discover lots of essential issues to be presumed when adopting a small-sized rodent.

These exotic pet animals definitely feel at ease in a cage which mimics their real habitat however it is a great idea to position the cage in the home's living room if you want to allow the chinchilla to be a member of your family. The lodge offers your small-sized rodent a comfyroom for resting and activities. Generally the the house of the medium-sized mammal is manufactured out of metal elements. The main features of pet's cage are an easily maneuverable layout, a few grades, 1 to 2 access doors.

The pocket mammal home ensures good entry as well as can help rapid cleaning. The other sort of equipment features wood made shelter, drinking water bottle, feeding dish.

The second step in the exotic chinchilla good care requires you to have an understanding of really important diet aspects and determining snack schedule which could enable you to maintain the small exotic rodent well-balanced. Organic grass is the ideal food for the small-sized mammal. High fibre meal items such as hay are definitely the recommended approach to care for your exotic rodent.

They additionally are dependent on organically produced greenery since they help to preserve their oral health. The preferred everyday intake of grass might be more than 55 percent. Hard packed foods incorporating nutritional vitamins are generally very important to a domestic rodent food regimen.

The nocturnal exotic animals are crazy about snack food items like for example fruit chips or sunflowers seeds. Though consider that your incredible creature is not able to digest all additives. The next important and vital chinchilla fact is that insufficient consuming of clean purified drinking water can cause very serious issues of health.

An important part of chinchilla companion proper care is in fact dry bathing in a special container. This specie has an impulse to roll around in pumice powder as an option to bathe plus this allows it to remove fur diseases. Special bin plus volcanic powder are in the supply shortlist.

The chinchilla is enchanting pocket pet animal. The greater amount of affection the person gives, the higher will receive in return. Chinchillas are certainly nocturnal pet animals. At night they would like physical exercise such as exercises outside of the home as well as biting bars. Get place just for the play time.